Is your child struggling to express their feelings or thoughts?
Are they finding it difficult to talk about their emotions or experiences?
Are you looking for an alternative way to help your child understand and manage their feelings?
What is Play Therapy?
Young children often have difficulty expressing themselves verbally, especially when it comes to complex emotions or experiences. This doesn’t mean they don’t want to talk; rather, they haven’t yet developed the necessary language or cognitive skills to fully articulate their thoughts and feelings.
Play therapy offers a safe, engaging, and non-threatening way for children to express themselves. It uses play, art materials, and toys as tools to communicate, helping children process their emotions and experiences. In this therapeutic approach, children are encouraged to use their creativity and imagination to express what they are experiencing. Through their play, children can begin to explore alternative behaviors and attitudes, gain insight into their challenges, and ultimately develop healthier coping strategies.
Benefits of Play Therapy:
- Emotional Expression: Play allows children to communicate emotions that they might otherwise struggle to verbalize.
- Cognitive Development: Play therapy helps children develop problem-solving skills and emotional regulation.
- Safe Exploration: Children can explore difficult topics like trauma, loss, or anxiety through their play in a non-threatening environment.
- Behavioral Change: Through play, children can work through issues such as aggression, anxiety, and emotional dysregulation, learning new ways to handle difficult situations.
How Play Therapy Works:
In a play therapy session, your child will engage in a variety of activities, such as playing with toys, drawing, or using other creative materials. The play gives children a way to express their emotions, thoughts, and concerns in a manner that feels natural and comfortable for them.
As a therapist, I will observe your child’s play and use it as a tool to better understand what they are experiencing. Through this process, I can help your child explore their feelings, learn new behaviors, and resolve any issues that might be affecting their emotional or psychological well-being.
Privacy and Confidentiality in Play Therapy:
I take your child’s privacy seriously. Anything that happens within the therapy session is kept confidential, which is crucial for building trust. While I will not discuss the specifics of the session with you, consultations with caregivers can help explore themes and strategies to support your child’s emotional development. This ensures that you, as the parent or caregiver, are supported in understanding your child’s needs and learning ways to help them.
How to Prepare Your Child for Play Therapy:
Before the First Session:
It’s important to help your child understand what to expect in therapy, which can help reduce any anxiety or fear about the unknown. Before the first session, explain to your child that therapy will be a fun experience, and the primary focus will be on playing. You can reassure your child that they do not need to talk if they don’t want to, but the play will help them feel better.
A simple explanation of the reason for therapy, framed in a way they can understand, is helpful. This reduces fears and prepares them for the process.
During the Session:
Children should wear comfortable play clothes, rather than their “good” clothes, as play therapy can get messy. Play is an essential part of the therapeutic process, and it is important that your child feels free to engage fully in the experience.
After the Session:
While it is natural to want to know what happened in the session, it’s best to avoid questioning your child about the specifics. If your child creates artwork, such as drawings or paintings, please avoid criticizing or praising the creation. Instead, simply let your child feel comfortable sharing their experiences in their own time.
Optional Reading and Viewing:
For parents and children interested in learning more about play therapy, I recommend the book A Child’s First Book About Play Therapy by Marc A. Nemiroff and Jane Annunziata. Published by the American Psychological Association, this book is an excellent resource to help you understand what happens in a play therapy session and how it can benefit your child.
Below is an overview of play therapy from Nick Cornett, of John Brown University.
Ready to Help Your Child Thrive
If you have concerns about your child, play therapy could be an important step toward helping them thrive. I am here to partner with you and your family, providing compassionate and effective therapy that fosters growth, healing, and long-term success. Reach out today to schedule a free 15-minute consultation and learn how I can support your family.